Actually I lied, I really don’t know what you’re thinking. But in all honesty, I’m not sure what I’m thinking at the moment myself either. I’ve had a little too much sugar today and my body is kind of having a melt down right now.

Anyhow, I have two reasons for posting two versions of the same image today. First is because I wanted to show a before and after of the effect I used with the first image being after and the second image being the before. The second reason is I wanted to show a picture of the skin I’m wearing in more of it’s true coloring which of course is more visible in the second image below.

To achieve the results that you see in the first image, it took me literally one minute, and I didn’t use photoshop. So yes, sorry, I don’t have a photoshop tutorial to share with you guys this week as of yet, but I did use picmonkey.com to get that result. If you still haven’t tried it yet (even though I’ve mentioned it about a million times) you really should. It can add so much drama to your image within minutes and with very little effort.

The skin I’m wearing is a new release from Bilo. It is the first skin release from this store and I must say for her very first skin, it is quite an amazing result. For more pictures and details, visit the bilo blog and pic up a demo from the marketplace store to try it out for yourself.

The hair I am wearing is from LaViere and currently available at Hair Fair. Hair Fair opened its doors earlier today and you can check out the Hair Fair blog for direct slurls and more informative posts. Also Seraphim did an excellent job of covering all the hair available at the event, so definitely check their post before heading down there.

Credits:
*Skin: Bilo- Nasreen (Cardamom) by Chandra Masala
Eyes: Mayfly – Deep Sky Mesh (Desert Dawn, w4) by Arkesh Baral
Eyelashes: MG – Eyelashes – Groomed – BLACK by Maxi Gossamer
*Hair: -LaViere- Valere/DarkChocolate by Azure Electricteeth (Available @ Hair Fair)
Nails: Candy Nail #FP006 Clear Glitter French 3color change by Peche Bury
*Necklace: [ glow ] studio – Feathers cape by Jocelyn Anatine
*Ring: [MANDALA] Anuttra Black/silver Ring by Kikunosuke Eel
*Pose+Prop: Long Awkward Pose (No longer available)

Ashraya, which means shelter in sanskrit, is an organization based in India which operates with the purpose of providing aid to Indian children in need and abused women through the implementation of various projects. The Ashraya Project in SL opens tomorrow, May 5th, and the proceeds will go towards this wonderful organization.

There are many events planned for this project, including fashion shows and parties, check out the Schedule of Events page for all the details. The Ashraya Project will run from May 5th till June 4th.

I’m wearing a mesh sari from Bilo that will be available tomorrow at this event in many bright and beautiful colors. The proceeds from the purple one I’m wearing in the second picture will go towards the charity. What I love most about this sari is, it can be worn with or without the dupatta.

Bilo is a new brand to me which I noticed on plurk a few weeks ago. You’ll find lots of gorgeous mesh dresses here. Check out Bilo on Marketplace for more of their designs.

Remember, all of the festivities start May 5th at 10am slt. Check out Editorial Clarity’s blog for event details and slurls.

Credits:
Skin: League Jen Dark Feline (Cleavage C) by Nena Janus
Hair: [elikatira] Abbey – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu
*Sari: Bilo Chandramukhi Sari by Mayaa Thistle (Available on May 5th @ The Ashraya Project)
*Henna tattoos: Huz Tats and Bilo
*Jewels: Zaara Nizam colored by Zaara Kohime
*Poses: Long Awkward Pose and oOo Studio

Just because I’m a fairy, doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate Earth Day. April 22nd, 2012 is Earth Day. Don’t forget to get involved in your community and do something for the earth. Here are just 5 things to strive for that would make such a difference:

1. Plant a tree
2. Reduce, reuse and recycle
3. Give up your car for the day and ride your bike or take public transportation
4. Take a photo celebrating nature and share it on your social networks
5. Do some earth day arts and crafts, like decorating a reusable tote bag

I’m definitely going to try doing at least a few of those things. ^^

Faint Paulse of Ladies Who Lunch has been doing her part for Earth Day, inworld. She’s created a variety of things in honor of Earth Day. Check out her flickr for pics and details. I’m wearing the terrarium aloe earrings. They are beautifully made.

My hair is a hair debut from Azure Electricteeth of LaViere. She’s created three lovely hairstyles and I think they are definitely a great start. Remember to drop by LaViere and try a demo on for yourself.

Fantasy Faire started Saturday April 21 and will run till Sunday April 29, 2012. More than 130 of SL’s top fantasy creators are involved in raising funds for the American Cancer Society. There are nine sims, so make sure to visit this link for a map and slurls.

I am wearing the RFL exclusive from Evie’s Closet. It will only be available at the event so make sure to drop by soon.

Happy Earth Day! <3

Credits:
Skin: [Aura] Helena – Paper- Love Notes – VIP by Tyr Rozenblum
*Hair: -LaViere- Astris – Saffron by Azure Electricteeth
Outfit: Evie’s Closet Elora II RFL by Evangeline Miles (Available at Fantasy Faire)
Nails: Candy Nail #FP006 Clear Glitter French 3color change by Peche Bury
Ring: TOSL *Fruitylicious* Ring v1.4 Cerises (No longer available)
*Earrings: [LWL] Terrarium Earring (aloe) by Faint Paulse
*Poses: Exposeur by RubyStarlight Writer (Available at Pose Fair)

Wear Gray for a Day is an event that is raising funds for the American Brain Tumor Association. With over 80 established stores participating, it is the brain child of Sanura Snowpaw. It is now open, so take the slurl and get shopping.

I was recently linked to a post about a fellow SLer we lost last year to a brain tumor. His name was Epicurus Emmons and he was the co-founder of Fishers Island Yacht Club. I was moved by this post about him and after watching this video I really felt like sharing it here.

So I hope you guys get a chance to go by Wear Gray and do your part. I’ll be going by tonight myself.

The pose I’m using in the second picture is part of a phenomenal set of high couture poses from oOo Studio that will be released in May at Culture Shock.

Credits:
*Skin: -Glam Affair- Leah Grey skin BL by Aida Ewing (Available at WEAR GRAY)
Eyes: Mayfly – Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Deepening Spring, w4) by Arkesh Baral (MESH)
Hair: Asymmetric Bob (Black) by Truth Hawks (Inventory library)
*Eyelashes: Miamai_Catwalk Lashes_Glitter 01 by Monica Outlander (MESH)
*Dress: Miamai_Gauri by Monica Outlander
*Shoes: [Ladies Who Lunch] Pretender boot (Pearly Peak, White Sole) by Faint Paulse (MESH)
*Pose: oOo Studio Allegory High Couture by Olaenka Chesnokov (to be released in May)

Or as I really wanted to call this post, “This Christmas – Give a Shit!” Hello; I’m the vampire Lord Winter Jefferson. The fabulous Barry Singe is allowing me to take over her blog (again) because… lets face it, she can be pretty slack at times. Can’t style herself either, takes second rate pictures and carries a whiff of curried mangos with her wherever she goes. I’ll admit to being somewhat fond of her, but only very occasionally and after a helluva lot to drink. This post does come out from both of us though, and it comes from some place pretty sincere. In Strawberry’s case it would be her heart but with me I’m not entirely sure as mine stopped beating a good 248 years ago. Self preservation perhaps; I like to maintain my food source in good working order.

This time of year… for most of us, we are so lucky. Sure everyone is doing it a lot harder, I won’t deny. But there’s usually enough to eat, we don’t have to boil our water before drinking it and we are mostly free to live our lives in a safe way. If you have the freedom to be online and read this post then you are doing relatively well. No one begrudges you this and it’s wonderful to see. We’d just like to invite you to take one extra step outside, as Second Lifers have proven themselves to be such a generous community on both local and global levels in this quite frankly crappiest of years.

What we would love is to open up comments to things that you do for others, share and provide inspiration for small acts that can provide cheer where it is least expected – and most needed. As an example, I give my family chickens in a card each year. It’s kind of hard stuffing them in and neither of us seems to enjoy the experience much, but I saw it as an idea on the Oxfam site  and I didn’t really bother reading it closely so I just put my own spin on it… no, really. What happens is you buy the card, and the cost goes towards giving a family in places like Laos a brood of chickens. You can give a friend crabs  (or as I call it “every other Friday night”) and you genuinely can give a shit. I personally recommend sending this one to your boss.

There are lots more ways that can be used to add some extra sparkle. That lonely old widow on the end of your street? Invite him around for some festive nog. That really ugly patch of weeds at the park? Pull an eco ninja and plant some flower seeds there so that everyone gets a Spring surprise. Leave a comment on the blog of someone you do not know. Throw in toll fare for the car behind you. Babysit for your harried friend. Write a letter instead of a text. Compliment a stranger on their style. Pat that strange cat winding its way around your ankles. Create little origami animals and leave them on park benches to delight small children. Reassure Berry that she doesn’t smell like rotten mangos… which means totally lie through your fangs.

I know that we don’t all believe in the same things. It doesn’t matter, beauty is non  denominational. Share with us what you do to make this season special. That’s the first step right there.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Plato.

What Berry Is Wearing and She Obviously Took This Picture Too And Was Quite Upset That I Didn’t Let Her Get An Ass Shot Into This Post:
Skin: Glam Affair Linn by Aida Ewing
Hair: Elikatira Early Black by Elikapeka Tiramisu
Boots: Slink Tall Leather Thigh Boots Curvy Red by Siddean Munro
Outfit: B@R Rolled Up Santa Girl Red by June Dion

What Winter Is Wearing:

Lap Warmer: Strawberry Singh by… well presumably Mr and Mrs Singh
Hair: LeLutKa Olja in Arctic by Thora Charron
Antlers: Illusions Florissinae by Siyu Sien
Skin: Tableau Vivant Vincent in January by M4r1lyn Magic
Eyes: Fashism in Pale Silver by Ikon Innovia

Chair + Pose: {.:exposeur:.} Cozy Santa Chair by RubyStarlight Writer